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Scientist II - Analytical Development - Oligonucleotides

Novo Nordisk AS

  • Boulder, CO
  • 1 day ago
  • $131,356–$155,400 Per Year

Highlights

Hands-on work involving highly complex activities; major contributor to projects (target, biology, or technology-related) involving multiple experimental activities & groups; demonstrates deep understanding of subject matter (regarding specific technology & its use; specific biology; specific target; etc.); identify biology-, target-, or technology-focused gaps & questions & be able to propose solutions for long-term benefit of department, site, or company; may represent NN at conferences; may propose & lead external collaborations; author internal reports & external publications; recommend, present & champion new targets or methodologies. Internal relationships include working closely with technical staff & other members of the scientific leadership team; regular collaborations with members of other research departments at Novo Nordisk; & frequent interaction with project managers & other colleagues in Denmark.

Numbers & Facts

LocationBoulder, CO
IndustryBiotechnology/Pharmaceuticals
Salary$131,356–$155,400 Per Year
Company Size2,500 to 4,999 employees
Year Founded1923
Websitehttps://www.novonordisk.com/

Description

About the Department

The Boulder Site is home to the specialized technical operations/CMC team for oligonucleotides and RNAi therapeutics. The CMC team works alongside Quality, Regulatory, Technical Operations and RNAi Early Development professionals at our Boulder, Colorado facility and works closely with our teams in Lexington, Massachusetts. Together, we are driving change. Are you ready to make a difference.

The Position

The Scientist II will be responsible for analysis, chemical characterization, structure determination, protein interaction characterisation, binding and functional screening of drug candidates and guidance on candidate design, selection, API and drug product specifications. Contributes to early screening strategy and execution to ensure lead candidate identification with desired in vitro potency, binding specificity and selectivity and chemical attributes. Responsible for analysis and characterization during API process development and drug stability studies. Evaluates new technologies and recommends acquisition and application of new technologies within high throughput screening, functional and structural biology, chemical analysis and characterisation. Displays subject matter knowledge within structural biology, in vitro potency and analysis and characterisation throughout the early phase of drug development in combination with a broad general understanding of chemical, biochemical, biological, medical, medical devices, patent and commercial factors. Responsible for driving projects as members, leads or coordinators including input to IPR. Occasionally demonstrates subject matter expertise. Perceived as area specialist within one or several processes across a VP/CVP area. Often sets directions and deliver results in own role which have a significant impact within the context of a wider operational area. Applies subject matter knowledge to solve common business issues. Handles most situations independently and with routine, receives minimal guidance, but will seek advice and guidance on more complex issues. Demonstrated ability to identify better practice and create improvements in methods, techniques, approaches etc. Might be entirely independent or just need occasional guidance from manager/senior colleagues and may mentor/coach more junior colleagues.

Hands-on work involving highly complex activities; major contributor to projects (target, biology, or technology-related) involving multiple experimental activities & groups; demonstrates deep understanding of subject matter (regarding specific technology & its use; specific biology; specific target; etc.); identify biology-, target-, or technology-focused gaps & questions & be able to propose solutions for long-term benefit of department, site, or company; may represent NN at conferences; may propose & lead external collaborations; author internal reports & external publications; recommend, present & champion new targets or methodologies. May mentor or directly supervise less experienced team members based on business need, skill and/or interest.

Relationships

Reports to the head of the relevant department at Novo Nordisk. Internal relationships include working closely with technical staff & other members of the scientific leadership team; regular collaborations with members of other research departments at Novo Nordisk; & frequent interaction with project managers & other colleagues in Denmark. Individual may be responsible for indirect reports or contingent workers. Individual will interact with external research collaborators both academia- & industry-based.

Essential Functions

  • Conduct Analysis and Characterization

  • Perform detailed analysis and characterization during API process development and drug stability studies

  • Utilize subject matter expertise in structural biology and in vitro potency to ensure accurate results

  • Apply advanced chemical analysis techniques to support drug candidate evaluation

  • Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements

  • Evaluate and Implement New Technologies

  • Assess emerging technologies for potential integration into high throughput screening and structural biology processes

  • Recommend acquisition and application of innovative technologies to enhance chemical analysis and characterization

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to pilot and implement new technological solutions

  • Monitor and report on the effectiveness of new technologies in improving operational efficiency

  • Lead Project Initiatives

  • Drive projects as a lead or coordinator, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives

  • Provide input to intellectual property rights (IPR) considerations during project development

  • Set project directions and deliver results that significantly impact the wider operational area

  • Facilitate project meetings and ensure timely completion of project milestones

  • Mentor and Develop Junior Colleagues

  • Offer guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering their professional growth

  • Share expertise and best practices to enhance team capabilities and performance

  • Encourage a collaborative and supportive work environment

  • Provide constructive feedback and support career development initiatives

  • Continuous Improvement and Problem Solving

  • Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement better practices

  • Solve common business issues independently, applying subject matter knowledge effectively

  • Develop and refine methods, techniques and approaches to enhance operational outcomes

  • Seek advice and guidance on complex issues to ensure optimal solutions

Qualifications

  • BS/BA Degree with 8+ years' relevant experience required, or a master's degree with 6+ years' relevant experience, or a Doctoral/PhD degree with 2+ years of relevant experience required
  • Demonstrated subject matter expertise in structural biology, in vitro potency and chemical analysis
  • Experienced at applying advanced knowledge to solve common business issues independently
  • Experienced at evaluating and recommending new technologies for high throughput screening and functional biology
  • Ability to drive projects as a member, lead, or coordinator, providing input to intellectual property rights
  • Ability to set directions and deliver impactful results within a wider operational area
  • Ability to identify and implement improvements in methods, techniques and approaches
  • Experience mentoring and coaching junior colleagues, fostering their professional development
  • Ability to handle most situations independently, seeking guidance only for complex issues
  • Ability to display a broad understanding of chemical, biochemical, biological, medical and commercial factors
  • Ability to contribute to early screening strategy and execution for lead candidate identification

The base compensation range for this position is $131356 - $155,400. Base compensation is determined based on a number of factors. This position is also eligible for a company bonus based on individual and company performance. Novo Nordisk offers long-term incentive compensation and or company vehicles depending on the positions level or other company factors.

Employees are also eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs including medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement program; and voluntary benefits such as group legal, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance and auto/home insurance. The Company also offers time off pursuant to its sick time policy, flex-able vacation policy and parental leave policy.

The job posting is anticipated to close on October 24, 2026. The Company may however extend this time-period, in which case the posting will remain available on our careers website at www.novonordisk-us/careers.com.

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk, were not chasing quick fixes - were creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, weve been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of whats possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, were making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger - a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.

Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.

If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

About Company

Working at Novo Nordisk

 

Life-changing careers

Starting a career at Novo Nordisk is more than getting a job. It is an opportunity to improve the lives of millions of people living with a serious chronic disease.

Whether you are a part of supplying insulin for patients around the world, discovering the next breakthrough at one of our state-of-the-art research centres, working with us is truly life-changing.

 

We are inspired by life

We are a proud life-science company on a mission to ensure that people living with a chronic disease can live a full life. Millions rely on us.

We’re inspired by life in all its forms and shapes, ups and downs, opportunities and challenges. From our colleagues in the lab, working to change lives through pioneering break-through treatments, to our colleagues putting sustainability at the core of our processes and working to prolong the life of our planet, this mission to improve lives is at the core of our every action.

 

Together we drive change

Change is a constant — change in lifestyle, change in technology, change all over. At Novo Nordisk, we don’t wait for change. We drive it.

We’re a dynamic company in an even more dynamic industry, and we know that what got us to where we are today is not necessarily what will make us successful in the future.

That’s why we continuously push to improve the way we work and the lives of the patients we serve, creating innovative solutions that fit the way people want to live. To accomplish this, we embrace a spirit of open-mindedness and experimentation, striving for excellence without fixating on perfection.

 

Together, we are life-changing

Our company is our people. We know that life is anything but linear and balancing what is important at different stages of our career is never easy. That’s why we make room for diverse life situations, always putting people first. We want to ensure that every employee can achieve a work-life balance that supports their current priorities and where they want to go next.

 

Your development starts here

We value our employees for the unique skills, backgrounds and perspectives they bring to the table. We work continuously to help bring out the best in all of our people, offering opportunities for development and creating an environment of mobility within the company. We strive to offer a workplace that’s great to be in and to be from.

It is very important to us that anyone working with us feels empowered as an employee and as a person. We all should have the opportunity to act fast, make decisions and be agile. 

With a career at our company, you will feel a difference right from the start. A sense of inspiration that comes from a shared belief in driving positive change for people, families and communities everywhere, and it’s a collective effort. We rely on the joint potential and collaboration of our more than 45,000 employees.

In the video above, meet  Marie Darting, one of our scientists, and hear more about her work as a formulation scientist, her perspective on development plans and the impact she feels her work has on people living with a chronic disease.

 

Who we are

We were founded in 1923 and today we are a global healthcare company headquartered just outside Copenhagen, Denmark.

Our purpose is to drive change to defeat diabetes and other serious chronic diseases, such as obesity and rare blood and endocrine disorders. We do so by pioneering  scientific breakthroughs, expanding  access to our medicines , and working to prevent and ultimately cure diabetes.

With almost 100 years of experience, one of the broadest diabetes product portfolios in the healthcare industry, as well as an award-winning pipeline of innovative products, our success is built on our company values – the Novo Nordisk Way.

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